A Valli Happy Occasion

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI's penchant for sumptuous volume and exquisite attention to detail has long since marked out his creations as strictly special, so hurrah for the news that he is now designing the most special kind of dresses of all: bridal.

The designer is preparing to release a collection of wedding dresses after being inundated with personal requests for them. Available in traditional ivories or his label's seasonal palette, the gowns run the gauntlet from hand-crinkled bustier styles perfect for beach nuptials to elegant fairytale creations - and there are also ruffled stoles and mink and cashmere cardigans to add that unique touch to each.

"It's dedicated to my friends," Valli tells WWD, referring to the unique "personality" of each design. "They're classic with a twist. I like to see them both as wedding and party dresses."

The debut collection will go into stores alongside Valli's cruise collection in November, with prices ranging from $11,000 to $16,000.